Testing > Safety/Stability | Cosmetics & Toiletries

A letter from the FDA to Valisure, dated Dec. 5, 2022, highlighted 'methodological deficiencies' and 'analytic descrepancies' in the company's testing.

FDA, Unilever and GSK Challenge Valisure's Benzene Findings, Test Methods

The FDA recently raised concerns over the test methods of Valisure, the Connecticut-based lab whose reports over benzene in sunscreen and dry shampoo products from Unilever, GSK and others have prompted recalls and class action suits.

In evaluating how different solvents may affect the rheology of personal care formulas, it is helpful to consider that different formulation types have distinct relationships between viscosity and elasticity depending on the factors generating their elastic properties.

How Natural Butylene Glycol Advances Market and Rheology Dynamics

Avon was acquired by Natura Cosmetics SA in 2020 and that year, the company removed talc from its products marketed in the United States — at a time it was defending nearly 130 talc lawsuits.

Avon Takes a $40 M Hit in Talc/Cancer Suit

This follows the company's recall on these products in November 2021; at that time, the company had not received any reports of adverse events following the use of these products.

P&G Pays Out $8 M in Benzene Settlement

The settlement benefits consumers who purchased Secret, Old Spice, Pantene, Waterless, Aussie, Herbal Essences or Hair Food aerosol antiperspirant, deodorant, body spray, dry shampoo or dry conditioner products between Nov. 4, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2021.

Many of the allergens identified were fragrances and other botanicals, according to ScienceAlert, which have become a leading cause of contact dermatitis.

JAMA Letter Cautions: Most 'Natural' Skin Care Contains Allergens

A Research Letter published in JAMA Dermatology highlighted the prevalence of contact allergens in natural skin care in a study of 1,651 products on the U.S. market.

Skin Immunity: how to preserve it with cosmetics? Download the slide deck

Skin Immunity: how to preserve it with cosmetics? Download the slide deck

Skin is a complex organ and its biomolecules, structure, physico-chemical properties, immune and non-immune cells all act together to form the skin's immune system. Discover how to address skin immunity with Seppic ingredients.

'...There is currently insufficient relevant and reliable scientific data to conduct realistic ERAs and there is not enough scientific data to support sunscreen ingredient bans,' wrote the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC).

PCPC on NAS Report: 'Not Enough Data to Ban Sunscreens'

The Personal Care Products Council has released a statement responding to the National Academy of Sciences Report, "Review of Fate, Exposure, and Effects of Sunscreens in Aquatic Environments and Implications for Sunscreen Usage and Human Health."

Microbiological test methods for w/o formulas have raised questions in terms of their suitability. They also require a more critical view of the results than other product types. This first article in a two-part series reviews the limitations of such methods and options for their optimization. It also critically observes to what extent test results provide relevant information for an appropriate safety assessment. Part II, in August 2022, will explore a holistic approach to more accurately assess microbiological safety.

Determining Preservative Efficacy in W/O Formulas, Part I: Test Performance and Limitations

Microbiological test methods for w/o formulas have raised questions in terms of suitability. They also require a more critical view of the results than other product types. This first article in a two-part series reviews the limitations of such methods.

Revisions include adding “special cosmetics” and “cosmetics using new ingredients” to the key categories of sampling testing.

China Revises Cosmetic Sampling Testing Rules, Calls for Comments

The measures will focus on testing in children’s cosmetics, special cosmetics and cosmetics containing new ingredients. Measures are open to public comment through July 14, 2022.

The MyMicrobiome Standard certification for JD Jojoba Oil and JD Lusteris guarantees a microbiome-friendly product for the skin.

Jojoba Desert Ingredients Achieve MyMicrobiome Standard Certification

The MyMicrobiome Standard certification for JD Jojoba Oil and JD Lusteris is said to guarantee a microbiome-friendly product for the skin.

The sensitivity of the test indicates it could be useful as a screening tool and could contribute to research on alternative skin corrosion tests.

Researchers Develop Invertebrate Alternative In vivo Skin Corrosion Test

Work published in Environmental Pollution describes an invertebrate alternative in vivo skin corrosion test that reportedly is more sensitive to acids and alkalis than traditional skin models.

For multifunctional products such as moisturizing hand sanitizers, the sanitizer claim requires a significant reduction (2-3 log) of a microorganism population while the moisturizer claim requires data showing an increase in skin moisture.

Testing the Safety and Efficacy of Multifunctional Personal Care Products, A Primer

Multifunctional products may offer solutions to consumer challenges but as the needs of consumers grow more complex, so do their safety and efficacy testing. This article provides a primer on these considerations.

The CTPA and the U.K. cosmetic industry wants to promote the use of new approach methodologies (NAMs) as alternatives to animal testing for these vital safety requirements under other chemicals legislation, especially UK Reach.

CTPA Convenes to Progress the Use and Regulatory Acceptance of Animal Testing Alternatives

The CTPA and the U.K. cosmetic industry wants to promote the use of new approach methodologies (NAMs) as alternatives to animal testing for these vital safety requirements under other chemicals legislation, especially UK Reach.

Animal-Aid has pledged £51k to accelerate research, development and commercialization of acute toxicity tests by ethical safety testing laboratory XCellR8.

Animal Aid Funds XCellR8 for Animal-free Safety Testing

Animal-Aid has pledged £51k to accelerate the research, development and commercialization of acute toxicity tests by ethical safety testing laboratory XCellR8.